1 comments/ 32177 views/ 2 favorites Talisman Ch. 3: Kate By: mlyn Kate was tired and frustrated as she wandered through the market place. She didn't really want anything nor did she really need either. But when her sister had said she was coming to town, Kate had decided to tag along. Yet everywhere she looked, it appeared that all of the street vendors were selling the same items. Turning to speak to her sister, Kate was surprised to find they'd gotten separated in the crowd. Quickly deciding to continue in the direction they had started, Kate knew they would meet eventually. Several minutes later, as she was looking at some unusually made chairs, a couple of young boys, obviously bent on mayhem, rushed past her. Unaware that she had been spun around completely, Kate continued down the long aisle of sellers. Slowly she noticed that the sellers had changed, as had their wares. Somehow, Kate had gotten off into a different branch of the street fair and was now surrounded by less reputable business people. Realizing what had happened, she turned to go back when a soft, elderly voice caught her attention. "Over here, pretty lady, if you are looking for something that is truly rare and unusual." Kate found herself looking into the wrinkled face of a very old woman. Her hair was long, gray and wavy. Her clothing was brightly colored fabrics, very exotic in nature. Kate realized with a start of surprise that the woman was a gypsy! She came to stand in front of the old woman's stand. Her feet had moved on their own accord, because her brain had been telling her to get out of there now! "Are you married, pretty lady?" The old gypsy woman asked. Kate shook her head no. You would think that at the ripe old age of 25, Kate would have accepted and grown used to the fact that she officially considered an "old maid." She'd been on the shelf so long, parts of her had collected dust! But gypsy woman merely nodded and smiled. "I have just what you need then, miss. Come closer because we must be very careful that no one else sees this very valuable item." Kate came around the stand and approached gingerly. Watching the old woman, she opened a large chest at her feet and pulled from within a small item wrapped in an old velvet cloth. "For just one pound this exquisite good luck piece will be yours." Slowly folding back the edges of the cloth, the gypsy revealed a tarnished box. Opening the box, but only enough to give Kate a glimpse of the inside, the old woman added, "Inside is a pretty charm for you to wear around your neck. This will bring you good fortune, pretty lady. For just one pound you can have this wonderful necklace." Something stopped Kate from just walking away. Ignoring her common sense, Kate stroked her fingers over the tarnished metal. "For the box and the necklace, one pound." Cackling, and then coughing, the old woman smiled at Kate. "You are thrifty as well as pretty. Very well, for one pound." Kate paid the money, already hearing what her sister and brother would say if they could see her now. Accepting the box, covered again in the cloth, Kate nodded and thanked the gypsy. She had tucked the box in the crook of arm when she thought of a question to ask the old woman. Turning to walk back, she stopped abruptly. Kate was sure that was the direction she had come from, but there was no sign of the woman, or her small stand. Slowly, Kate turned in a complete circle, scanning the crowd and the merchants, but nowhere could she see the wizened old woman. A breeze seemed to blow out of nothing, and it caused Kate to shiver. Holding her reticule and the box close to her body, Kate hurried back towards the entrance of the shopping fair. She was out of breath when she saw her beautiful blond sister looking all around. "Over here, Amelia!" Kate called out to her sister, waving her arm. Immediately she saw the frustrated look appear as the younger woman saw her. "Kate! Where have you been? Why didn't you stay by my side? You don't know your way around here yet. Now, hurry, or we'll be back late for tea! You know how upset Howard gets when his tea is delayed." Kate stayed silent through out the carriage ride back to her sister's home. Her younger sister had married a well-to-do baronet her first year out and moved to live in the modest family seat in Northumberland. Only a year apart, they were night and day in both looks and personality. Amelia, whose blond and blue-eyes loveliness had attracted many suitors, had a fairly angelic disposition to match her looks. And Kate was more robust, as evidenced in her strong body, freckled skin from repeated exposure to the sun. Her reddish brown hair seldom behaved, often escaping to form wild little curls around her face and neck. Even though Kate remained quiet, she did have to listen to Amelia carry on about the dangers of the city (despite it being a small village.) Her mind wandered as her sister rattled on. It had been nearly three months since she had come to live with her sister and brother following the death of the maiden aunt who had cared for them since the deaths of their parents when they were young children. Amelia had insisted that Kate come and live with them. It wasn't at all seemly for an unmarried woman of Kate's age to be living alone in London. Kate had finally given in and moved in to an empty guest room. Kate excused herself the minute the carriage stopped and hurried up to her room. She set the velvet cloth on her bed and put away her things. Starting to move towards the bed, a knock on her door stopped her. "Yes?" she called out. Amelia opened her sister's bedroom door. "We need to dress for dinner, Kate. Howard has invited the man who purchased the horse breeding property next to ours. I've ordered bath water up for us both, so hurry!" Kate turned from the door in frustration. Before she could more than stamp her foot in frustration, a knock on the door again signaled the arrival of the water. Once the tub was full of hot water, Kate stripped her clothes off. She started to climb in when in the corner of her eye she saw the cloth on her bed. Walking to the bed, she uncovered the box and opened it. She reached in and pulled out the golden necklace. The chain was golden and woven of intricate strands. Most interesting was the medallion that hung from the chain. It was a carved piece of what she guessed was ivory, but it was also quite dirty. Seeing that the chain had no clasp, and was itself woven in and around the holes that surrounded the rim of the medallion. Sighing, Kate lifted the necklace and settled it around her neck. She walked to the tub and climbed in. Sitting in the steamy water, Kate drew her knees up to her chest. She couldn't explain why she felt the need to wrap her arms around her legs in a protective gesture. Finally, she lifted the lavender scented soap and began washing her body. She wet her hair and washed it as well. She would dry as much as possible, but she felt the need to wash all the grime from her skin. Kate washed her body using the sponge, unaware that she was moving more slowly and deliberately. She soaped the medallion and worked for several minutes to wash the grime from the intricate carved figures. Eventually she made out the figure of a woman, dancing. She couldn't be sure, but she thought it looked Hindu or Buddhist in design. Turning it over was the fierce looking figure of a man. Climbing from the tub, Kate wrapped a towel around her wet hair. The ivory medallion rested against her damp skin, nestling just above her breasts, flat against her skin. Instead of immediately pulling her robe on, Kate dried her skin and then moved over to her vanity. Languidly, she took the time to rub a sweet smelling cream into her skin. Her hands seemed to be caressing her own skin as she rubbed the cream in thoroughly. Almost unaware, Kate took quite a long time to rub the cream into her round, full breasts. A knock on the door alerted Kate to the fact that she was late. Shaking her head to clear the fog, she combed her wet hair and folded it tightly into an unattractive bun at the nap of her neck. She dressed in a simple dress with a rounded neckline. Slipping on half stockings and shoes, she hurried down the stairs. Voices could be heard in the sitting room, so Kate walked in that direction. Inside the room, Kate immediately saw her sister on the sofa, sipping sherry. Howard was standing at the mantle above the fireplace. Both were looking at their visitor. Kate turned also and felt her breath catch in her throat. Their visitor was a man in his thirties, dark haired, tall and looked very fit beneath his stylish clothing. As Kate's heart began fluttering in her chest, she was dimly aware of the man's deep laugh in response to something Amelia had said. And then, his head turned in Kate's direction. His midnight black eyes met her hazel ones and the smile faded from his attractive, tanned face. Amelia and Howard noticed that their visitor's attention had strayed and turned towards the door as well. Amelia spoke first. "Come in, Kate, and meet our new neighbor." Kate walked towards the fireplace where the others were seated or standing. Over the roaring in her ears, Kate heard Howard introducing the visitor. "Lord Carstairs allow me to present my sister Miss Katherine Bannister." Kate curtsied, as was the custom, but his lordship extended his hand towards her, so she was compelled to take it. Suddenly her breathing became constricted as Lord Carstairs bent low over her hand, kissing it. To one side, Amelia gasped in surprise at the continental greeting of her sister. Kate had never received any offers during her season in London. Nor, as the years passed, did she ever receive any callers or invitations to ride in the park with a gentleman. To see this wealthy, and immensely attractive lord of the realm seemingly entranced by her plain sister was more than startling to Amelia. Kate was just as stunned. Her heart was still hammering wildly in her chest while her breathing was rapid and shallow. Her skin was flushed and she getting some very strange feelings in lower belly and her womanly flesh. She assumed that she was getting sick, since she knew of no other explanation for these feelings. And all the while, the ivory medallion rested between her breasts. It was strange to Kate, but she was intensely aware of the cool ivory against her skin. As the evening wore on, Lord John Carstairs flirted almost shamelessly with Kate. On one level, the usually reserved Marquis was astonished by his own behavior. He was noted for his character, and had never been involved in any kind of scandal. He had been a serious and studious boy, and then young man. Even after he had inherited his title, his behavior and lifestyle had not changed greatly. He enjoyed filling his hours with his various studies, and his love of horses. There was no great pressure, in his opinion anyway, to marry and sire an heir, since he had a younger brother who was already married and had fathered two sons and a daughter! So why he was paying so much attention, and actually flirting with the rather plain, auburn haired woman made even less sense to him. It was nearly time for Lord Carstairs to leave, when he suddenly turned to Kate and invited her to go riding with him the next day. He even added that he would bring a picnic basket. Kate argued with herself, offering several good reasons to decline. And yet, she heard her voice agreeing to the outing! *** Kate's mare was saddled and waiting for her at the stables. She was seated on the sofa in the morning parlor, watching Amelia pacing back and forth. "I can't believe that you accepted this invitation Kate! You only just met the man last evening." "And what is different from meeting a gentleman in London at a soiree or the theatre, and going riding the next in the park?" Amelia glared at her older sister, wanting to disparage her logic, but not coming up with a good way to do so. "What if he tries to take advantage of you?" Kate couldn't help but feel a frisson of desire shoot through her body at her sister's words. But her well-ingrained common sense spoke louder. "Really, Amelia, I seriously doubt that he would even consider it. After all, he is a marquis!" Both women turned as the footman announced his lordship's arrival at the front door. Kate had asked to be notified as he approached so that he wouldn't have to dismount and face her sister's interrogation. Kate jumped up eagerly. "Thank you, Peter. I'll see you later, Amelia. And get some rest and don't worry! Remember it isn't good for the baby." Kate reminded her sister, knowing that would get her attention. Amelia had given birth to perfect blond replicas of herself so far, and she and Howard were hoping for a son this time. Kate reached the front steps just as the marquis approached. She saw him smile when he saw her. "Good morning, Lord Carstairs," Kate greeted him. John nodded as he pulled on his high-spirited stallion's reins. "Good morning, Miss Bannister." He stopped as one of Howard's stable boys approached with Kate's mare. He placed the mounting block, and Kate lithely vaulted onto the sidesaddle, quickly arranging her riding skirt. Kate thanked the boy, and turned her mount to follow his lordship. As she rode, she became intensely aware once again of the ivory medallion dangling at the cleft of her breasts. There seemed to almost be warmth rising from the medallion, but that didn't make any sense at all. After riding for nearly an hour, with only desultory conversation, John suggested stopping beside a stream. He was surprised that when he turned to assist his companion, she had already hopped down and was tethering her mare. He tossed a blanket onto a grassy section that was partially in sunlight and shade. After placing the basket down, he went to offer assistance to Kate, but found that she once again had not waited, but had removed her short-waisted riding jacket and taken a seat on the blanket. John removed his own jacket, to be comfortable, but stopped abruptly when he went to sit down. He'd deny that he'd looked, but to be honest, he was as red-blooded as any Englishman! And when offered a glimpse of a female bosom, he wouldn't turn away. Kate had worn a scoop-necked blouse that showed her impressive cleavage, and also allowed him to see the unusual necklace she was wearing. John came down on one knee beside Kate, ignoring her startled look; he reached out and lifted the medallion. His fingers brushed against her skin and Kate gasped in surprise. But she didn't scream in outrage at this obvious intrusion and social faux pas. Instead Kate was overwhelmed by the feeling of John's warm fingers resting against the soft flesh of her left breast. She felt warm, knew her face had to be flushed a bright pink and couldn't ignore the need to press her hand more fully against her breast. John was looking at the medallion, turning it over to see the opposite side. He looked up and her lovely hazel-colored eyes snagged his eyes. "Uhh..." John had to clear his throat before he could go on. "This is a very interesting medallion, Miss Bannister." And then it dawned on him how silly it sounded to call her so formally while his hand was in such intimate contact with her entrancing bosom. "May I call you Kate?" Kate nodded, and forced herself to say something. "Yes, Lord Carstairs." John smiled and then did something that caused him to question his own sanity. He allowed his hand to lower slightly until it rested more fully against Kate's lovely breast. And if that wasn't bad enough, he actually rubbed his fingers back and forth, savoring the warm softness of her flesh. "Please, call me John." Kate had to fight the overwhelming urge to push her breast more fully against his hand. And in her mind, she envisioned his hand suddenly dropping the medallion. But instead of deserting her needy flesh, his hand turned and cupped her large breast. In her imagination, she could see, and almost feel his hand massaging her bosom eagerly. Closing her eyes briefly, she struggled to remember what was right and wrong. "I just bought it yesterday." John reluctantly released the medallion. "Really? Do you know anything about its history?" Kate shook her head, watching as John sat down facing her. "No. I bought it from a rather odd looking gypsy woman at the market yesterday." Her eyes seemed unable to move away from his all of a sudden. And then it was if someone else was speaking for her. "It feels strange, since I put it on." John let his eyes move down to the medallion. "Perhaps it has some unusual history attached to it." Kate swallowed hard. Feeling John's eyes on her breasts, or the medallion, was making her dizzy, warm and aroused. She had to fight the urge to throw herself into his arms, pressing kisses all over him. In the next instant, an embarrassed flush stained her cheeks. It didn't make any sense! "If you would like, we could go to my home. I have a pretty extensive library. Perhaps we could do some research into the figures on the medallion." Kate nodded her head yes vigorously. She couldn't shake the ominous feeling that if she stayed here, so close to his lordship that she was going to do something that she would really hate herself for later! *** Kate came running down the stairs at her sister's the next afternoon. She had agreed to meet John at his home today. They had spent several hours yesterday, muddling through book after book, trying to discover some information about the unusual medallion. Kate had finally sat down and sketched the front and back of the medallion to leave with John, so he could continue researching. She couldn't explain why she had not wanted to leave the medallion behind. But even as the thought had formed in her consciousness, her body had rebelled at being separated from the medallion. Of course, it didn't make any sense, but she had still left wearing the ivory medallion around her neck. Kate happily managed to leave the house without running into her sister or her brother. She did leave a message for Amelia with the footman, Peter, should she inquire on her sister's whereabouts. Riding her mare, Kate reached Lord Carstairs home in twenty minutes. Even as she dismounted she told herself it was foolhardy to be coming to a single gentleman's home with proper chaperoning. Granted that she was no longer a young debutante, living in London, whose reputation could so easily be tarnished. But even in the wilds of Northumberland, people loved to gossip! And she should think about Amelia and Howard, and how her actions might affect them. John suddenly appeared at his front door, smiling at Kate. One of his stable hands was already running in her direction, to help her dismount. To leave now would appear as if she was running away... "Hello, Kate! It is so nice to see you again. I made a lot of progress after you left yesterday, and I've had a nice afternoon tea prepared for us." Kate dismounted and walked up the stone steps. "Oh really? That sounds wonderful, Lord Carstairs." John reached and lightly touched his finger to Kate's lips. Immediately he felt heat zinging up his arm, along his nerve endings. He had spent most of last night thinking, pondering and generally not understanding the strong physical attraction he was feeling for this woman he had just met! It didn't make sense. Certainly he had never been a rakehell with the ladies, but he had never lacked for female companionship either. So why he was feeling so strongly attracted to this woman made no sense! She was no great beauty, although her face was pleasing, and her eyes a lovely shade of hazel. And her lips were full, soft and a luscious shade of mauve. But why was he so aroused when he was near her? Why did he have to keep fighting the need to just reach out and caress her petal soft skin? Why had he lain awake most of night, imagining and wondering if Kate's nipples were the same color as her lips? Talisman Ch. 3: Kate And so, after an extremely restless night, he watched as Kate lightly ran up the steps towards him. Her hair was down today, and the natural curls bounced and shone in the sunlight as she came towards him. It was like a punch to his gut! He wanted to bury himself in her sweet, soft body. The need to pleasure her until she cried out his name in passionate release was becoming overwhelming and mind consuming. And as she stopped by his side, John noticed the lovely cleavage revealed by her low-cut riding jacket. He had to clear his throat before he could speak. "Let's go inside, Kate. I think you will find some of my findings very interesting." John gestured to the sofa in his library for Kate to be seated. He returned a few moments later with several heavy books. "The medallion is made of Ivory, to be that finely carved and detailed. I believe the figures are Shakti and Shiva. If we were in London, we could find out a great deal more. Shakti is a goddess, and believed inseparable from Shiva, something of a male god counterpart." Kate leaned closer to John, looking at the picture in the book. The female in the picture very closely resembled the woman carved on her medallion. She inhaled and felt every hair on her neck stand up as she breathed in John's male scent. Her reaction was to take an even deeper breath. She tried to focus on what John was saying. "Shakti is the nurturer, and some cults worshipped her as the goddess of love." John turned his head to glance at Kate, but his gaze clung to hers. "Some believed that she had powers over sexual desire, and could perhaps influence procreation." He moved his hand and curled it around Kate’s that was still holding the medallion. Immediately John felt arousal and desire surge through his body for this woman he hardly knew. His voice was hoarse as he continued. "The medallion could even be a talisman, which believers thought could then influence the wearer." Kate nodded her head and was still unable to look away from John's intense face. The books slid from John's grasp, but neither noticed nor cared. And then his hand tightened around hers, and he put pressure on the necklace, using it to pull Kate closer to him. In less than a few moments, their lips were less than an inch apart. Almost simultaneously, both of their hands tightened around the ivory medallion. They each felt heat and it seemed to be emanating from the medallion. Kate moved at the same time as John and their lips met. John released the medallion first, sliding his arms around Kate. He pulled her closer as his mouth pressed more firmly against hers. Kate parted her lips, acting on instinct. She felt hot, breathless and dizzy. She wanted more... but she wasn't completely sure about what she did want. When John's hands moved, shifting her body, she followed his direction. Kate was eager for John's kisses and his caresses. He moved his hand, starting to release buttons and shift clothing. Kate released her hold on the medallion. It fell against her smooth, pale skin as John bared her breasts. His groan was loud and tense in the quiet of the room. It was cut short as he enveloped her nipple with his mouth, sucking the already aroused and distended bud deeply inside. Kate tried to lift her arms, but the dress prevented her from moving. The shoulders had been shoved down, and held her arms tight, just above the elbows. She sighed and let the sensual heat his mouth was arousing sweep through her. As she felt his hand pulling her skirt upwards, she shifted her legs. One tiny part of her brain told her to stop him, but she was being overwhelmed by heat, and arousing sensation. And ever since she'd met John, she had felt burning needs she had never experienced before, let alone even knew such deep needs existed. The next moment, she felt his hand on her womanly mound, exploring and seeking between her wet folds of skin. John lifted his head to watch Kate's face as he discovered her center of pleasure. His finger pressed lightly, not sure how she would respond, or the level of her experience. "Oh my God!" Kate cried out as she felt nerves and reactions she had only felt by accident a few times, and then fought the urge to explore further. Suddenly she knew what the books had been talking about when they spoke of hunger and need for another. Deep desires were rising inside her as her hips jerked upwards in response. John smiled gently, and began to stroke and press the tiny, tender nubbin of flesh. He lowered his head once again, until he could kiss and suckle at her plump breasts. After a few moments, he began sucking and stroking her with the same rhythm. Kate was unable to resist, not that she wanted to. Her orgasm shook her to her core. The passion and heat swamped her senses as she cried out. John slipped two fingers into her womanly channel, and began gently stretching and preparing the way. He didn't want to hurt her as he took her maidenhead. If he'd had any doubts as to her virginity, the surprise on her face as her body responded revealed the truth. Kate slowly became aware of john's fingers inside her body. They were moving, wiggling and pressing outward, from the inside. After several minutes, John shifted his thumb back to her clit. As he aroused her again, his fingers inside her became three and began stretching her more vigorously. Kate had tears streaming down her cheeks as her second orgasm swept through her. John continued to move his fingers, looking for a special place inside her body. He wasn't proud of the knowledge that had come from a prostitute, but it had enabled him to become a much better lover. John wanted to please a woman when they made love. Finding the one, special place ensured it. Kate felt the tears on her face, as her body became John's to manipulate as he saw fit. She felt boneless, and unable to move or stop him. Of course, she had no desire to stop him. It was too late to turn back. As her body settled back down after her second climax, she became aware of his probing and searching fingers. With complete and total shock, she felt John's success a moment before he was aware of it. She was unable to prevent the screaming cry that erupted from her throat. "Aaaarrrgghhhhh! What...?" John looked up into her face as he continued to press and work the spongy flesh with his fingers. "Let go, my love," he whispered to her softly. "Give into the passion, Kate!" Kate felt the heat of the medallion suddenly on her chest, just above her heart. It didn't make any sense, but that didn't matter. Her body slammed into her third orgasm, and the most intense so far. Kate was only partly aware of John withdrawing his fingers, and the pressing new heat against her womanly lips. Her muscles inside were contracting and she seemed to shivering along every single nerve ending she possessed. The pressure built and she realized that John was entering her body for the first time. She wanted to help him, but didn't know what to do. Tilting her hips upwards, she gasped as his cock's head pushed inside of her. John groaned as he felt her wet heat wrapping around him. He still was thinking about going slowly, but it felt as if Kate's virgin cunt was nibbling and sucking on his cock as the muscular tremors still held her body in thrall. John was unable to stop the flow of his climax through his body and he was jerking forward in short, quick thrusts. His seed shot deeply into Kate's body. Over and over, he shot cum into her fertile womb. It was wild, crazy and sweet. For the first time, his heart seemed as connected to Kate as his cock was embedded inside of her. Slowly, his breathing calmed but he didn't move. His cock softened inside of Kate, still experiencing short, jerky tremors of passion. John didn't want to move because he also felt the shivers and shakes going on inside of Kate's body. As he had filled her cunt with his seed, a fourth and unexpected orgasm had raced through her body. Lying inside of her body, he could feel the gentle, slowly waning contractions around his cock. Kate finally opened her eyes and looked up at John. She flushed as she saw that he had been watching her. Suddenly she was intensely aware of their intimate position. Feeling embarrassed, she was at a lost as to what the "proper" thing to do in this sort of situation. John smiled slowly, leaning down to kiss her mouth, which was slightly parted. "That was the most amazing..." He stopped abruptly as Kate looked away and the blush on her cheeks brightened. "There is nothing to be embarrassed about, Kate." But Kate wasn't as easily convinced. She squirmed beneath him, and John withdrew from her body reluctantly. If Kate had thought she couldn't be more embarrassed, the next instant she was proven wrong. As his cock left her tight, soft nest, it made a loud, unmistakable squelching noise. She quickly turned her face to the side, wishing the earth would just open up and swallow her right then. But it didn't, and a few seconds later she realized that she was still lying naked and exposed on the sofa and John was standing beside it. Looking up hurriedly, Kate saw that John had restored his own clothing to decency. "Damn!" Kate muttered loudly, trying to sit up, shove her skirt down and drag her dress back up. It was hopeless though, and John reached down his hand, pressing it against her stomach. She settled back onto the sofa as John knelt next to it. Watching John, Kate saw him remove his handkerchief and flick it open. She groaned in further embarrassment as he wiped between her thighs, being as gentle as he possibly could. Her skirt was pulled back down and his hands lifted to help her sit upright on the sofa. He edged between her thighs and both became aware that her breasts, still naked and with hard nipples, were right across from his mouth. Kate tried to lift her hands, wiggling to reach the top of the dress. John stopped her regretfully because he was enjoying the bouncing and jiggling of her breasts as she moved. Pressing her hands flat to her thighs, John let his gaze roam freely over her exposed breasts. "You have beautiful breasts, Kate. I'd say they are more beautiful than any I've ever seen on a statue. And of course, these are warm, soft and very squeezable." Kate blushed hotly in embarrassment. She felt even hotter a moment later when John matched his words with actions. His hands came up and covered her breasts, squeezing and massaging them gently. He leaned forward and kissed her lips, his tongue easing past her lips and deepening the kiss. Kate responded, her tongue moving forward to caress and stroke his. A few moments later, John lifted his head and looked down at his hands. His hands slid beneath each breast, lifting it slightly, and pausing to rub his thumbs across the tips. He moved his head back down, and lightly kissed her left nipple. Moving to the right, he lingered a little longer. He licked the nipple slowly, circling it and then flicking it back and forth. He finally opened his mouth and sucked the taut nipple into his mouth deeply. Kate moaned at the feeling of his hot mouth sucking her breast, almost as if he were trying to draw life-giving milk from deep within. She tried to lift her hand and cradle his head, but she still couldn't lift her arms. John lifted his head, releasing her nipple with a loud, wet plopping noise. Looking up at Kate, he smiled slowly. His hands began righting her clothing, gently tucking her breasts back inside her camisole, and then closing the fasteners on the dress. John could never say why he lifted the medallion from her chest, and over her head. He felt he had to do it. Holding it in his hand, he spoke to her softly. "Let me send this to London. I've got a very good solicitor there, who specializes in investigating 'things.' Let's see if he can find anything else out about it." Kate nodded. She thought she would feel cold now that it wasn't resting against her skin, but she didn't. "All right. I am curious to know more about it." John stood slowly, extending his hand to pull Kate up. As she stood beside him, he leaned over and pressed a light kiss to her lips. "I had better get you home before you family decides to skin me alive." Kate laughed shaking her head, and as John wrapped his arm around her, she felt a distinct sensation that she had finally come home... John entered the breakfast room, surprised to find his wife was already seated at the table. "What a nice surprise, darling! I tried to be especially quiet when I got up so you could sleep as long as you needed." Kate grinned at her husband of five months. "I feel very well, thank you. Not a big queasy this morning, and in fact, I am starving." John walked to the chair Kate was sitting in, leaning over to kiss her cheek. He couldn't resist rubbing her swollen belly with his hand. "I'm glad to see your daughter is finally settling down in there. You need to get as much as rest as possible. Amelia was warning that once the baby comes, it would be a long time before we see another full night's rest." Kate watched as John filled a cup with coffee from the sideboard, and then took the chair cattycorner to her's at the head of the table. "Aren't you eating, John?" "I had breakfast earlier, before the meeting with my manager. He brought the post with him." "Anything interesting, my love?" John nodded, picking up the letter he had set down as he got his coffee. "A letter from my solicitor, Paul, in London." "Whatever does he want?" "Remember the medallion, darling? It's been almost six months since we sent it off for him to investigate its history for us." Kate sipped her tea. "I'm embarrassed to admit, John, but I had forgotten all about it, what with all the commotion..." John grinned. "I did rather sweep you off your feet didn't I, my sweet?" "Yes, but it was quite exciting, eloping to Gretna Green and all. I wouldn't have wanted all the hassles of a big wedding." "Are you sure, Kate? It's not too late to have a big wedding before the baby comes." Kate shook her head side to side. "No, John. I'm very happy, and I enjoyed the excitement. And we had that wonderful long wedding trip to Italy. I have no regrets." Kate reached over and covered her husband's hand. "It may seem odd, my love, but I've often felt like the medallion brought us together." John turned his hand and clasped hers in his. "Or fate, darling. We were meant to be together. But your feelings go along somewhat with Paul has written." "Has he returned the medallion?" John released Kate's hand. "No, but let me tell you what he has written. He received the medallion, and since he didn't know its value, he took to wearing it around his neck. The figures were ancient mythology, Shakti was the female goddess, and the god was Shiva. He took it to a jeweler who told him the gold was of the highest quality he had ever encountered, and the medallion itself was ivory. Paul adds that Shakti was supposedly a goddess who held sway over people's most delicate of emotions. He couldn't find anything particular to your medallion, darling, in one reference it stated if one wore an image of both figures, and it could influence a person's love life dramatically." Kate gasped in surprise. "Is that what happened to us?" John shook his head. "If that were true, darling, then once I'd sent it away, the attractions between us would have faded. I spend most of day thinking about getting you back into bed." Kate flushed hotly. "I love you, too John." John grinned at his wife, a wicked gleam in his eyes for a moment. "I love you so much Kate that at times my heart aches." Kate had to lift her napkin to wipe the tears from her eyes. She sniffled twice and then asked, "Does Paul say anything else?" "Yes. He says he sent the medallion back to us over a month ago. But he only learned last week that the medallion had been stolen off the coach it was coming on. But the strange thing is, Scotland Yard contacted him. It appears the medallion was the only stolen from the coach. None of the passengers were robbed either." Kate shivered at the odd news. "Is there anything else in the letter?" "The jeweler couldn't give him a good estimate on value, but Paul wants to pay us something, since it was technically under his care when it was stolen. He feels responsible." "That's silly, John. Please let him know I want nothing in return. It wasn't his fault that the medallion was stolen." John nodded his head. "I'll let him know that when I write to him. There is one more thing..." Kate leaned forward, her elbows on the table, her chin propped on her intertwined fingers. "Don't stop now! What else does he say John?" "Paul added a 'p.s.' at the bottom. It says 'I also want to invite you and Kate to London. Emma has finally consented to marry me.'" Kate frowned as John laughed and refolded the letter. "Why is that so funny?" "Paul has been asking Emma to marry him for the last ten years. But she felt that she had a slightly tarnished reputation, and didn't want that to interfere with Paul's career. What do you want to bet he asked her when he was wearing the medallion?" Kate nodded, remembering the warmth she used to feel when she had worn the medallion. Perhaps there really was something to the story... Looking at her husband, it had certainly worked for them, and if the medallion had been stolen to help some other forlorn lover, then it truly was for the best.